SK Broadband says it has launched deployments of Gfast technology using the latest 212-MHz capabilities. The Korean service provider’s initial deployments have targeted multiple-dwelling units (MDUs) in Seoul and Seongnam, South Korea. The deployments leverage 24-port distribution point units (DPUs) from HFR, powered by Gfast chips from Sckipio, the silicon vendor reveals.
Most apartment buildings in Korea have fiber to the basement, say SK Broadband and Sckipio. However, fiber to each living unit isn’t practical in all buildings. To deliver gigabit broadband to residents in these buildings via the existing copper-based in-building wiring, SK Broadband is turning to the latest Amendment 3 generation of Gfast technology, which leverages wider spectrum (to 212 MHz), vectoring, and bonding.
“SK Broadband is determined to provide gigabit internet to all, but not all South Korean apartments can be easily wired with fiber all the way to the apartment,” said Choong-Bok Lee, the manager in charge of access networks at SK Broadband. “That’s why we chose Sckipio’s Gfast. It’s the best way to extend gigabit fiber performance to these apartments over existing twisted pair telephone wires.”
The HFR DPUs, thanks to Sckipio’s SCK23000 family of chips, can support up to 96 subscribers in one copper binder by combining the horsepower of four stacked DPUs. “SK Broadband is determined to provide gigabit internet to all, but not all South Korean apartments can be easily wired with fiber all the way to the apartment,” said Choong-Bok Lee, the manager in charge of access networks at SK Broadband. “That’s why we chose Sckipio’s Gfast. It’s the best way to extend gigabit fiber performance to these apartments over existing twisted pair telephone wires.”
"This deployment demonstrates the clear use case for Gfast technology to deliver gigabit service to large apartment environments without needing to install fiber connections to each apartment,” added David Baum, Sckipio CEO. The fact that only 34% of South Korean MDUs have fiber all the way to the apartment, according to SK Broadand and Sckipio, would indicate a healthy market for Gfast in the county.
For related articles, visit the FTTx Topic Center.
For more information on FTTx technology and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.
Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher
Stephen Hardy has covered fiber optics for more than 15 years, and communications and technology for more than 30 years. He is responsible for establishing and executing Lightwave's editorial strategy across its digital magazine, website, newsletters, research and other information products. He has won multiple awards for his writing.
Contact Stephen to discuss:
- Contributing editorial material to the Web site or digital magazine
- The direction of a digital magazine issue, staff-written article, or event
- Lightwave editorial attendance at industry events
- Arranging a visit to Lightwave's offices
- Coverage of announcements
- General questions of an editorial nature